IRIDIUM 71 (25320)

COSPAR: 1998-026B | Alt Name: Iridium 71

Image
IRIDIUM 71 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 2, 1998

Launch Site

TAISC

Launch Pad

LC7

Launch Vehicle

Chang Zheng 2C-III/SD

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

25320

International Designator

1998-026B

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:50:21 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

86.40°

Right Ascension

288.56°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

143.68°

Period

99.90 min

Mean Motion

14.41 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

IRIDIUM 71

Alternative Name

Iridium 71

Type

Payload

Status

Non-operational

Owner

IRID

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 25320U 98026B   26185.24330799  .00000434  00000-0  12759-3 0  9994
2 25320  86.3976 288.5596 0000317 143.6800 216.4421 14.41484414478621

Source: Celestrak

Summary
IRIDIUM 71 is a communication satellite with the OBJECT_ID 1998-026B and BUS LM700, launched by the US on May 2, 1998, from TAI SC LC7 using the Chang Zheng 2C-III/SD launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 3.5 meters in length, a diameter of 1 meter, and a span of 5 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 556 kg with an initial launch mass of 667 kg. Equipped with two deployable solar arrays and batteries for power, it was manufactured by MOTO and operates under the mission to provide communication services. Its shape consists of a box design with two panels and has a lifetime expectancy of 8 years. The satellite's cross-sectional area (RCS) is 3.7318 square meters.
Physical Characteristics

Length

3.5

Diameter

1

Span

5

Dry Mass

556

Launch Mass

667

Shape

Box + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

3.7318

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Iridium SV071

Purpose

Communication

Mission

Communication

Manufacturer

MOTO

Life Expectancy

8 years

Bus

LM700

Configuration

LM-700A

Motor

?

Equipment

?

Power System

2 deployable solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Booster 19 Return Imminent as Pad 2 Refinements Continue | KeepTrack X Report

Booster 19 Return Imminent as Pad 2 Refinements Continue | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX is finalizing Pad 2 upgrades at Starbase ahead of Booster 19's return flight, as Starlink's active constellation holds at 10,185 satellites.

China's Shenlong Spaceplane Releases Mystery Object | KeepTrack Space Brief

China's Shenlong Spaceplane Releases Mystery Object | KeepTrack Space Brief

China's Shenlong spaceplane released an unidentified object in orbit, drawing scrutiny amid U.S. Space Force Victus Haze RPO demonstrations. Tracking data critical.

Space Brief 2 May 2025

Space Brief 2 May 2025

Today's space highlights include significant military contracts for aerospace innovations, advancements in small-satellite procurement, and discussions on the role of nuclear energy in space exploration.

Space Brief 2 Feb 2025

Space Brief 2 Feb 2025

Today's highlights include new satellite launches by SpaceX, technical hiccups for an Indian navigation satellite, and insights into the future of satellite servicing.

Space Brief 3 Apr 2025

Space Brief 3 Apr 2025

Dive into the latest developments including U.S. national security launch contracts, penalties for drone violations at military bases, and emerging European launch providers.

X Report 8 Dec 2024

X Report 8 Dec 2024

SpaceX successfully launched 23 Starlink satellites, enhancing Direct to Cell capabilities from Florida's Space Coast.

Musk Addresses Orbital Data Center Crowding Fears | KeepTrack X Report

Musk Addresses Orbital Data Center Crowding Fears | KeepTrack X Report

Elon Musk pushed back on orbital crowding concerns as SpaceX eyes data centers in space, with 10,584 Starlink satellites currently operational.

Starship Florida Launch Targeting 2026 | KeepTrack X Report

Starship Florida Launch Targeting 2026 | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX is pushing to launch Starship from Cape Canaveral before end of 2026, with contractors ramping work at LC-39A.